Playmakers unite to play key role for Asian Cup

Community ambassadors of all nationalities from across Asia came together at Zayed Sports City Stadium for an evening of speeches, workshops and celebration in the lead-up to the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019.

Over 60 ambassadors — ‘Playmakers’ — representing 19 of the 24 competing nations were welcomed by Aref Al Awani, with the LOC Tournament Director challenging the group to deliver the best AFC Asian Cup in history, during the welcome event in the Royal Box of the 43,000-seat stadium, which will stage the highly anticipated opener on January 5, 2019 as well as the final on February 1, 2019.

Addressing the group, Al Awani said: “Just as a football team needs players working in harmony, for us to succeed, the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 needs to be a tournament for every single football fan, from every country and culture across the continent.

“The Playmakers programme reflects our ambition to partner with the real super-fans, community influencers and football lovers who will infuse the tournament with their enthusiasm. I have no doubt that they will inspire others to do the same.”

Breaking off into small groups during the evening, the playmakers worked together to brainstorm grassroots initiatives that would appeal and speak directly to their own communities. The evening culminated with a group photo on the pitch of Zayed Sports City, which was lit up for the occasion.

Asian Football Confederation (AFC) general secretary, Dato Windsor John speaking on the occasion said: “This is the biggest ever AFC Asian Cup so it is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the sheer scope and scale of Asian football and the Playmakers is the perfect programme to bring everyone together.”

Dedicated individuals can still represent their countries as community ambassadors, generating their own events, by registering their interest at community@asiancup19.ae.